Dr. Ralph Eugene Cash: I think we could begin by you're telling me a little more about why you're here. Vivian Parmenter: I noticed that I have been very depressed. Female Speaker: Vivian Parmenter has been dealing with depression for many years. Vivian Parmenter: Four years of my life I lost, I would say very easily. I was just pretty much either in the hospital, at home, not able to do very much and I'm a person that loves to be helping other people that loves to be doing things. Female Speaker: Depression will affect approximately 19 million Americans in their lives, and is one of the more openly discussed and publicly accepted medical problems. There are varying degrees of depression however from about with the blues to a serious clinical condition. Dr. Ralph Eugene Cash: Help is not only available, but it's almost always effective. And therefore, you don't have to suffer. Female Speaker: Some symptoms of depression include persistent sad or irritable mood, changes in sleep, energy or appetite, a feeling of hopelessness or worthlessness, a lack of pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyed. Dr. Ralph Eugene Cash: Many people who are severely depressed have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. They have trouble getting dressed and, you know, taking a shower. They have trouble fixing breakfast. They have trouble with some of those life skills, those daily activities of living that most of us take for granted. Female Speaker: At one point Vivian was so depressed, she attempted suicide twice. But eventually she recognized she had a problem that needed medical attention and got the help she desperately needed. Vivian Parmenter: It was part of the depression. And through help I realized that there was a mistake and I knew I could get through it. Female Speaker: Today, Vivian feels like her old self again. She says she has been fortunate enough to have the support of her family, friends and workplace. But that is not always the case. Society's attitude toward depression is improving, but there are still big concerns for anyone being treated for the condition. Dr. Ralph Eugene Cash: The stigma is much more will I'd be able to get a job? Would I be able to go back to what I was doing before, well I'd be excluded from certain kinds of occupations or profession and so forth. Female Speaker: Vivian now keeps a journal of her feelings and is acutely aware of changes in her mood. She can adjust medication or call someone for advice if she needs to. Over the years, she's come to learn this valuable lesson. Vivian Parmenter: Yes, there is life after depression. Dr. Ralph Eugene Cash: Sometimes treatment takes awhile, sometimes treatment takes determination. Sometimes treatment takes a great deal of support from others like emotional support, and economic support and so forth. But help is available.